Yes We Can! 2014 Brochure

Yes We Can…Celebrate Greatness!
Creative 360 has developed an innovative program to recognize and honor those 80 and over in a
way that respects their knowledge and taps into their legacy of creativity. This amazing and often
overlooked segment of the population offers a wealth of experience and knowledge that should
be shared with people of all ages. Our multi-faceted series is open to all ages and offers programs
in poetry, music, art and science. It will give participants ongoing opportunities to engage with and
learn from a dynamic group of senior presenters and educators.
This group of over 90 Great Lakes Bay artists, scientists and community leaders will share their
stories and experiences through performance, lecture, discussion and an exhibition that express and
showcase their creative thought process. The 35 events take place from February through May 2014.
Yes We Can! is designed to share the wisdom and experiences of people over 80 while stimulating,
encouraging and motivating others to be more active and to realize by example that they also can
continue to be contributing community members.
Yes We Can! Art Exhibition Opening Gala
Friday, February 14 – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. – no charge
Join us for an evening of exceptional art, wine, hors d’ouvers, and conversation as you meet and
mingle with many of the featured artists.
Yes We Can! Art Exhibition will feature the art of:
Kepka Belton (80), Charles Breed (87), Pat Coen (85), Howard Garrett (88), Luther Hale (80), James
Hopfensperger (85), Bill Horning (81), Mary Horning (80), Arnold Kolb (91), Harold Kluck (83),
Shurle Lee (88), Kate Lucas (80), Lois Mead (90), Geraldine McLaughlin (82), John Saam (85), Robert
Seeburger (89), AnnaBelle Seymore (90), Grace Shriner (80), Bernice Sizemore (88), Pat Smith (82),
Wilma Spyker (82), Mary Starr (84), Alice Strack (82), Carol Struthers (85), Russell Thayer (80), Marion
Tincknell (85), Leslie Tincknell (84), Patricia Yockey (80), Barbara Zimmerman (82) and many more.
This invitational art exhibition will be on display through May. All of the 34 planned events will
take place in the gallery filled with over 85 pieces of art.
Arnold Kolb (91)
Thursday, March 20 – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. – $5
Arnold was a Dow scientist who found a mysterious beauty under the microscope. He turned
science into art by photographing the “interior life” of familiar objects and elements through an
optical polarizing microscope. His work has been exhibited in over 125 art exhibitions,
museums and galleries across the country and abroad.
Russell Thayer (80)
Thursday, April 17 – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. – $5
Russell, a favorite Professor of Art History, Sculpture and Drawing at Delta College for 33 years,
received his M.F.A from the Instituto Allende, San Miguel d’Allende, Mexico, an M.A. in Sculpture
and B.S. in Design from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a C.C. in Industrial Design
from the Royal College of Art in London. He is currently an art professor at U of M.
Luther Hale (80)
Thursday, May 15 – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. – $5
Luther has been an active member in many art organizations such as the Saginaw Artists Guild,
a Michigan Art Educator’s Assoc., Midland Artists Guild, and the Michigan Watercolor Society. He
is a retired art teacher from Saginaw’s South Intermediate School. He continues to work with
watercolor and acrylic to create fabulous art that is exhibited in many galleries and shows.
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Thursday, February 20 – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. – $5
Kepka has received national acclaim for her work in the Czech art of Kraslice, beautifully handdecorated eggs created by waxing, and dyeing. Kepka has received numerous awards for her art
and efforts to preserve the Czech heritage, including the National Heritage Fellowship from the
National Endowment for the Arts.
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Kepka Belton (80)
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Join us to hear four of our Yes We Can! artists talk about their creative process. Each presentation
will be followed by a reception with refreshments. Please let us know you are coming.
1517 Bayliss St., Midland, MI 48640 989.837.1885 www.becreative360.org creed@becreative.org
Yes We Can…Draw Inspiration from Their Insight!
A Century to Celebrate—with Birthday Cake!
Ruth Barstow Dixon’s 100th Birthday Celebration
Friday, February 28 – 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. – no charge
Please call to let us know you’re coming.
Throughout her life Ruth has generously contributed to the Midland community as a leader,
arts supporter and philanthropist. For many years she served as the chairman of the Barstow
Foundation. While chairman, she was able to accomplish the long time wish of her parents to
bring the Senior Center up out of the basement at the Community Center—constructing the
Barstow-Shipps Wing for Seniors.
Ruth’s lifelong interest in the arts also led her to donate sculptures to Saginaw Valley State
University, to the Annenberg Library at Pine Manor College and to commission and donate the
well-known Midland sculpture, “The Family” by James “Hoppy” Hopfensperger, which is located in
Chippawassee Park near the Midland Tridge.
Ginny Morrison, Elizabeth Saddler and Susan Campbell have helped plan this special celebration
and tribute to Ruth. There will be some very special surprises. All are welcome!
Yes We Can… Continue in Creativity!
80 & Up Poetry Readings
Sunday, February 16 – 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. – $5
Refreshments will be served. Please call to let us know you’re coming.
Come for an afternoon of poetry and spoken word, read by these octogenarian artists:
Ann Bardens (84), Jean Connor (90), Grant Smith (83), Li Tien (81), Marion Tincknell (85),
Colleen Van Conett (85), Betty Van Ochten (80) and Patricia Yockey (80), among others.
A book of poems will also be available for all who attend.
Duane Spyker will be joined by 5-7 others to play a variety of classical, bluegrass and fiddle
tunes. Duane has been in music performance for 70 years and has performed with the Midland
Community Orchestra and many other bands. A special bonus – it is Duane’s birthday and he is
bringing the cake!
Men of Music – Sunday, March 23 – 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. – $5
Men of Music have been singing since 1936—they have over 50 members with many singing into
their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. It is always a treat to hear this fabulous men’s chorus! Grace Marra, Director.
Jantz Black, Accompanist.
Bonnie Sitter (83) – Sunday, April 27 – 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. – $5
Bonnie had been music director and an accompanist for the Music Society for over 100
productions. She has also directed Barbershop, taught piano, and soloed with the Midland
Symphony and Community Orchestra. She recently was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award
from the Music Society and Theatre Guild. For this performance, some of our favorite singers will
join her in costumes from their musicals. Expect many special treats—it is musical theater after all.
Grant Smith (83) and Bob Burditt (83) – Saturday, May 24 – 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. – $5
Grant is a music major, poet, author, educator and fantastic piano player, Saginaw’s Grant Smith is
talented and entertaining. (You may remember him from Shucks Sing Alongs in Saginaw.) Grant
will be accompanying one of Midland’s favorite performers Bob Burditt (83). Bob received the
Jo Harrigan Award for Creative Achievement in 2013 at the Midland Center for the Arts, capping
a lifetime career in the theater.
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Duane Spyker (83) – Sunday, February 23 – 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. – $5
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Refreshments will be served. Please call to let us know you’re coming.
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Enjoy the musical talent of the area’s most mature musicians as they continue to share their
passion far beyond retirement.
1517 Bayliss St., Midland, MI 48640 989.837.1885 www.becreative360.org creed@becreative.org
80 and Up Concerts
Tea for Tuesdays
Every Tuesday from February 18 to May 27 – 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
No charge, but donations are welcome. Please call to let us know you’re coming.
We will hear from artists, poets, educators, scientists, peace activists, community leaders, doctors,
writers, storytellers, actresses, business owners, philosophers, meditators, administrators,
anthropologists, volunteers, survivors, a competitive ice skater and more. There will be lively
conversation, tea, treats, and time for Q&A.
Yes We Can…Learn from Their Legacies!
A Tribute to Some of the Region’s Most Famous Artists
The Great Lakes Bay Region has exemplary permanent art, architecture, museums and gardens
from individuals who have helped to shape our community (and beyond).
These 4 presentations provide a unique opportunity to learn more about these artists and their
renowned creative endeavors.
Each event is held in the Creative 360 gallery. Please let us know you are coming!
Marshall Fredericks – The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum
Sunday, March 16 – 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. – $5 – refreshments served
Presenter: Marilyn L. Wheaton, Director Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, Saginaw Valley
State University.
One of the most prolific sculptors of the twentieth century, Marshall M. Fredericks is known in
America and abroad for his monumental figurative sculpture, public memorials and fountains,
portraits, and animal figures.
Executive Director of Saginaw Valley State University, Marilyn Wheaton will share information
about his collection of work at the museum, and about his good friend Honey Doan Arbury who
was instrumental in bringing his work to Saginaw.
Sunday, April 6 – 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. – $5 – refreshments served
Presenters: Peggy Kernstock, Cheryl Weeks-Rosten, Dave Morrison and Larry Butcher
Throughout his life Charles indulged in many passions – architecture, the environment, politics
and dahlias. This last passion drove him to create Dahlia Hill - a public dahlia garden. Started in
1992 after he retired from Delta College, Dahlia Hill has grown into a non-profit with over fifty
volunteers. Each year these volunteers plant and nurture almost three thousand dahlias on a
terraced piece of property in the heart of Midland.
Charles’ plastic artwork is housed in museums he designed and built on the top of Dahlia Hill –
along with a studio where he continues to design and produce art.
Theodore Roethke – The Theodore Roethke Home and Museum
Sunday, May 4 – 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. – $5 – refreshments served
Presenter: Founder and Executive Director, Annie Ransford
Theodore Roethke is considered one of the major voices in 21st century literature, and though
he is no longer with us, his literary legacy lives on in the Theodore Roethke Home Museum in
Saginaw (facilitated by the non-profit organization Friends of Theodore Roethke). Today the
home museum is a teaching house and place for reflection, learning and creativity. It is also
designated as a National Literary Landmark and Michigan Historic Marker.
The Theodore Roethke Home and Museum’s founder and executive director, Annie Ransford,
will share a sampling of Roethke’s poetry and the history of how the museum was started.
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He became nationally recognized for his pioneering art in plastics. His work has been featured in
the Museum of Contemporary Crafts in New York City, the Smithsonian Institute of Washington
D.C. and in other major juried and invitational exhibitions in the 1960’s and 70’s. He was
represented by the Lee Nordness Gallery on Madison Avenue in New York until he retired.
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Charles came to Midland in 1950 to teach art. A friendship with Alden Dow led to a grant for
Charles to experiment with plastic as a fine art medium.
1517 Bayliss St., Midland, MI 48640 989.837.1885 www.becreative360.org creed@becreative.org
Charles Breed – Dahlia Hill
John Pratt – The John Pratt Mosaic House
Sundays, May 18 and 25 – 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. – $5
Presenters: Linda Z. Smith and Mark Oliver
John Pratt was an artist who retreated into a lonely world of paranoid schizophrenia, but was able
to rediscover his zest for life as he turned his house into a mosaic masterpiece. Though he died in
1997, his mosaics have been preserved and were declared a folk art treasure in Midland County
by the Michigan State University Museum. Today, the John Pratt Mosaic House serves as a cultural
and educational facility that promotes both creativity and mental health awareness.
The presentation will be followed by a trip to the John Pratt Mosaic House on M-20.
Yes We Can…Honor Our Community Leaders!
Luncheon Soirees
Join us in honoring these exceptional artists and community leaders.
Art Sweetheart Luncheon Honoring Ruth (89) & Etcyl (91) Blair
Friday, February 14 – 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. – $25
RSVP required by Feb. 10th. Space is limited.
Each year, Creative 360 honors a Great Lakes Bay Region arts advocate who has made significant
contributions through exceptional vision, leadership, and commitment to the arts. Our Honor Roll
of Sweethearts includes Dorothy Yates, Virginia (Ginny) Morrison, Barbara Prince-Sovereen, Sally
Moss, Judy Rapanos, Nancy Barker, Janet I. Martineau, Ruby Iwamasa, Patty Shaheen, Dick and
Donna Dolinski. This year, in keeping with our Yes We Can! initiative celebrating the creative legacy
of artists, scientists and community leaders 80 and older, we are delighted to announce, Ruth and
Etcyl as our Art Sweethearts of 2014. Please join us for this luncheon held in their honor.
Friday, April 25 – 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. – $25
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RSVP required by April 21. Space is limited.
Retired Midland Probate Judge, Donna Morris, spent 21 years on the bench tirelessly advocating
for children, teens, families, seniors and the mentally ill. She played a big part in the creation of the
Midland County Juvenile Care Center. Donna was also a loyal and supportive friend to John Pratt.
1517 Bayliss St., Midland, MI 48640 989.837.1885 www.becreative360.org creed@becreative.org
Judge Donna Morris (82)
Willa Stauffer (85)
Friday, May 9 – 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. – $25
Wife of the late Richard Gary Stauffer, Willa Stauffer is also a doting grandmother and great
grandmother. Her early days in Midland were spent in support of the young and growing
Northwood University, where she served as Chair of Town & Campus and on the FAD auction
committee—alongside her role as a gracious hostess and ambassador for the college. Willa has
been an active volunteer at MidMichigan Medical Center, an officer of the Midland Chapter of
the American Red Cross, and a very popular Mrs. Santa for the Midland Santa House. Today,
Willa Stauffer, the warm, friendly and ever loyal partner in the birth of Northwood University is
only remaining member of the family of friends who created a college.
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Don Smith (84)
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RSVP required by May 5. Space is limited.
Friday, May 23 – 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. – $25
RSVP required by May 19. Space is limited.
We know Don Smith as a Midland native, community supporter, florist, artist, and owner of
Smith’s Flowers. He has worked in the store since 1948 and still helps on holidays. His artistic
floral arrangements and designs are unique and memorable. After doing the flowers for three
generations of weddings, Don still remembers the bouquet he created when the grandmother
was the bride! This will be the 62nd year Don has done the flowers and decorations for the
Dow Stock Holder’s meeting.
Don’t Forget the Dancers!
Friday, March 21 – 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. – $25
RSVP required by March 18.
Don’t miss the Yes We Can! Dance Educators Luncheon honoring a group of dedicated dance
instructors, performers, and choreographers.
Honored guests include: Jeannette Ables, Harriet Berg, Kathy Ellis, Carol Howard, Doris Marsh,
Jean Treadway, and Joanne Wilcox Maxwell and others.
Creative 360 is a community-based, nonprofit arts organization co-founded in 1994 by
Linda Z. Smith and Cynthia Keefe to provide a supportive environment to enhance the
development of physical, mental and spiritual wellness in our community through the
arts and humanities.
Our mission is to create an environment for people of all ages to experience the
creative process through ongoing classes, events, art exhibitions, concerts and
outreach programs.
Please visit our website or call for more information on our creative classes and events.
www.becreative360.org creed@becreative360.org
Creative 360 • 1517 Bayliss St. • Midland, MI 48640 • (989) 837-1885
Thanks to our sponsors
THE BARSTOW FOUNDATION
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NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
HOTEL & CATERING
989.837.4277
Arts Supporter
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Friends of the Arts
Simmons
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Chiropractic
Senior Services
Better Living Starts Here
35 events
February - May
2014
1517 Bayliss St., Midland, MI 48640
more than
90
Great
Lakes Bay
artists, scientists &
community leaders